Military Gliders and Drones Market Report 2026

The military gliders and drones market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $30.63 billion in 2025 to $33.08 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to use of military gliders for troop and equipment transport during historic conflicts, early adoption of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance, technological advancements in drone flight control systems, growth in defense contracts for tactical glider operations, increased integration of drones in intelligence and surveillance missions.

The military gliders and drones market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $46.47 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to rising deployment of autonomous military drones for surveillance and combat, advancements in long-endurance and stealth drone technologies, growth in tactical logistics using modern glider concepts, increased investment in drone swarming and coordinated operations, integration of AI and real-time data analytics in military uav systems. Major trends in the forecast period include enhanced tactical deployment, swarm drone technology, advanced reconnaissance capabilities, lightweight materials for gliders, extended flight endurance.

Increased funding for unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, is expected to be a significant driver for the growth of the military glider and drone market. The growing demand for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets has led to heightened interest in military gliders and drones. Militaries worldwide are projected to allocate approximately $98 billion towards acquiring new intelligence-gathering and strike capabilities. For example, in May 2024, the International Trade Administration, a US-based government agency, reported that VUL (Association of Unmanned Aviation) anticipates a 40% increase in the global number of commercially used drones between 2022 and 2030. This surge in drone usage is expected to drive growth in the military glider and drone market during the forecast period.

Major companies active in the military glider and drone market are innovating by introducing new products like hybrid unmanned aerial systems to address larger customer bases, drive sales, and boost revenue. Hybrid unmanned aerial systems refer to drones or unmanned aircraft systems that incorporate multiple propulsion systems or energy sources to enhance operational capabilities. For example, in February 2023, BAE Systems PLC, a UK-based aerospace company, unveiled the STRIX. This device offers unique features designed to support air-to-ground strikes, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, especially in high-risk conditions. Measuring 2.6 meters by 4.5 meters (8.5 feet by 14.8 feet), this tandem-wing, multi-domain drone boasts a range of up to 800 kilometers (497 miles) with a payload capacity of up to 160 kilograms (352 pounds). It is also equipped to accommodate various weaponry, including those already utilized by the Australian military.

In September 2024, Rheinmetall AG, a Germany-based defense technology company, partnered with Auterion Inc. to jointly develop standardized, software-based components for unmanned military platforms. Through this partnership, Rheinmetall AG and Auterion Inc. aim to establish a unified military industry standard for controlling and operating unmanned aerial, land, and naval drone systems, improving interoperability, efficiency, and scalability for defense forces. Auterion Inc. is a U.S.-based software company that develops operating systems and applications for aerial, land, and naval drones, enabling software-defined defense and seamless integration across diverse unmanned platforms.

Major companies operating in the military gliders and drones market are Schempp-Hirth Flugzeugbau GmbH, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Textron Systems, BAE Systems Inc., Jonker Sailplanes, Leonardo, Boeing Co., DG Flugzeugbau GmbH, Aerovironment Inc., Ascent Aerosystems, BFD Systems, Cleo Robotics, Corvus Robotics, DragonFly, Easy Aerial Inc., Teledyne FLIR LLC, Action Drone Inc., Drone America, Inova drone, Insitu Inc., Skyfish, Skypersonic, Raytheon Company, Northrop Grumman, Elbit Systems Ltd., Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc., SZ DJI Technology Co. Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the military gliders and drones market in 2025. Western Europe is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the military gliders and drones market during the forecast period. The regions covered in the military gliders and drones market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

Tariffs have influenced the military gliders and drones market by increasing costs for imported materials, avionics, and propulsion components, disrupting production timelines, and affecting procurement budgets. Military drone segments and glider manufacturing, particularly in North America and Europe relying on components from Asia-Pacific, are most impacted. Positive effects include incentivizing domestic manufacturing, fostering innovation in local defense technologies, and promoting strategic self-reliance in defense aviation.

The military gliders and drones market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides military gliders and drones market statistics, including military gliders and drones industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a military gliders and drones market share, detailed military gliders and drones market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the military gliders and drones industry. This military gliders and drones market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenarios of the industry.

Military gliders are unpowered aircraft historically used to transport troops and equipment quietly into enemy territory, particularly during World War II. Military drones, on the other hand, are powered, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) designed for tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeted strikes. They are typically remotely operated or fully autonomous. While both gliders and drones have been important in military operations, drones have become more prominent in modern warfare due to their versatility, range of applications, and lower risk compared to manned missions.

The main product categories within the military glider and drone market include military gliders and military drones. Military drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are utilized for various purposes, including intelligence gathering, surveillance, target identification, reconnaissance, and the deployment of aircraft ordnance such as missiles, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and bombs on hardpoints for drone strikes. These military aircraft employ a range of technologies, including remote operation, semi-autonomous systems, and fully autonomous capabilities, and they find use in activities such as search and rescue, national defense, military exercises, and other military applications.

The countries covered in the military gliders and drones market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The military gliders and drones market consists of sales of fixed-wing aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles for military purposes to carry troops and heavy equipment to a combat zone. Values in this market are factory gate values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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